Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine Reviews

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Lakyra from Philadelphia, PA

07/06/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Comments

Great for these types of students

For all types.

Tips for prospective students

Try not to stay sheltered college is about getting an education but its also about making friends and meeting new people. Your college years could possibly be some of the best years of your life so live it up just do so responsibly.

Am enjoying being here

The whole environment is very welcoming to all who apply.

Am learning a lot

Both the professors and the students really get intimate with the whole learning process.

Ava

12/30/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Brandywine is very very safe. There are campus security officers and hired police officers that look after the campus during the day and night. It's very unlikely for someone to get away with assault on campus.

Greek Life

There is none to speak of.

Clubs and Activities

If there isn't a club for it already, it's very easy for you to start one! Since Brandywine is a small campus, it doesn't seem to have much opportunity for different clubs. However,

Great for these types of students

Brandywine is great for many types of students. For those who want a more personal relationship with their professors, it's absolutely perfect. For those who want to save money while getting a quality college education, they are able to do so, without accruing large amounts of college debt, even before they reach graduate school. Non-traditional working students find it an easier to adjust to professor's flexibility and campus resources as they manage parts of their lives that typical college students do not face (ie. raising a family).

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Brandywine can be very beautiful. It's also known as 'B-wine' because in the spring, there are many bees that come to enjoy the variety of plants and flowers that bloom.

Bang for the buck

It's exceptionally cost-effective for the education you can achieve there. Most people get some kind of scholarship to attend, along with need-based financial aid. It;s a great way to save money that could go into graduate school later on in life.

What to do for fun

Student run-clubs like Student Government and Penn State's Student Affairs department work hard to provide various events on campus for student's entertainment and provide a fun atmosphere on campus. There are not many places to party near campus.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria is small, but ever increasing the options available for students. They have both halal, vegetarian, and gluten free items for sale, if you were to ask the chefs. The staff is friendly, and is willing to accommodate special requests.

Dorm Life

Brandywine does not have any dorms, but there are some apartments nearby that students rent out with their friends.

Academic Rigor

This largely depends on your major. Since many of the humanities courses are designed for two year degree programs, the academic rigor of some of these courses may not be very great. However, there are still some humanities which provide quite a lot of rigor. As for the math and science departments at Brandywine, most are comparable to other four year institutions nearby, and perhaps at University Park.

Tips for prospective students

Ask lots of questions! Make sure that you clarify what you don't understand with your professors quickly- before it gets out of hand. Also, work out any fears or struggles you may foresee at the beginning of the course, so that you and your professors can work something out together.

In three sentences

Penn State Brandywine is an intimate small campus that is truly what you make out of it. The professors make an effort to get to know their students and do what they can to help them succeed. Like most colleges, there are some professors who are more or less difficult than others, but as for the STEM majors, the professors will truly prepare you for the rigors of graduate school or a transfer to the university Park campus.

Porscha from Upper Darby, PA

04/03/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 of 16

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Great for these types of students

All students and all majors.

Tips for prospective students

On orientation day, get to know staff, other prospective students, current students, and ASK QUESTIONS! Be open minded, and ready to start a new stage in your life. Don't seclude your self, stay organized, and aware of due dates for everything. College could be the best phase of your life. Learn and have fun responsibly while creating your independence.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is beautiful, diverse, and an environment that is so peaceful to be around. There are many nice hang outs on campus for you, and your friends. Overall, this campus is very welcoming to all that apply, and/or considering to attend Penn State Brandywine.

Am learning a lot

No matter what field you are hoping to study in, or if you're still undecided about your major. Every class opens a new idea, that either enhances your knowledge, or opens your mind to something new. Almost every professor is passionate in what they are teaching, and dedicated to not just teaching you, but helping you through the work process, and experience.

- Make a study plan, if it works, stick to it - If you buy the textbook, read it, you have paid good money for it - Figure out how and where you can get help for classes during the first week of school.

In three sentences

The small community at the Brandywine campus allows for students to get to know their professors, personalized help in classes, and succeed in college. If a student stays on top of his or her classes and asks for help when needed, he or she will do well here. Because the campus is small there are not as many course options, but you still have great opportunities to gain experience in many different careers.

Bob from West Chester, PA

The campus is very safe. Almost nothing bad happens on campus at any time of the day. It must be one of the safest places on Earth.

Greek Life

There is no greek life present on campus.

Clubs and Activities

There are plenty of things to do on campus. Of course, there are not as many clubs on campus as there are at large colleges like Temple, Drexel, or even University Park, but the campus offers a good selection of clubs and activities to get involved in. If a student wants to start a club, he or she can easily do so with the help of a few friends.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are not many unusual traditions on campus. This also depends on the types of friends a student has.

Bang for the buck

The education is well worth the money if the student works hard and gets good grades in his or her classes. It is absolutely worth the tuition money because there are a lot of benefits that come from the money that is paid.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of opportunities for fun, especially since the campus is located about 15 miles from the city of Philadelphia. There are plenty of recreational things to do around the nearby area. It all depends on what the student wants to do.

Food and Dining

The food selection is limited here. Thus, many students seek off campus dining and purchase food at restaurants outside or from places at the nearby mall.

Dorm Life

There are no dorms on campus, however there are several off campus housing arrangements that can be made. Most students commute from home or their local apartments.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor depends on the type of major and the professors who are teaching the class. Overall, getting a good grade here is not too difficult if the student is willing to study hard and get his or her work complete in a timely fashion.

Tips for prospective students

At Penn State Brandywine, classes fill up quickly so make sure to register as soon as possible. Take advantage of the small class size and get help from teachers whenever there is a need.

In three sentences

The Pennsylvania State University - Brandywine is a great campus to start off a major because it has benefits of a large university while maintaining a close knit environment. Students and teachers on this campus are very friendly and easy to get along with. The campus offers plenty of wonderful opportunities for those who seek it.

Robert from Prospect Park, PA

There is so much available on this campus that many students are unaware of, look and ask around and you'll see there is a lot available.

Bang for the buck

For what it's worth PSU Brandywine is definitely worth the cost.

What to do for fun

PSU Brandywine always has a lot of events going on in the Fall and Spring, be sure to get involved in those, and join clubs! Get into clubs, IM sports, etc. you will make a lot of friends and be able to build your resume.

Food and Dining

The food available is surprisingly good and offers a large variety of choices. Many students I feel are aware of this, but if you wander into the newly refinished commons you will be able to find some great food at very reasonable prices.

Dorm Life

Dorms are not available at this campus since it is a commuter school.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor is challenging enough and definitely a step up from the high school work load. Although it could be more difficult, it helps you transition into the college life and is a great opportunity to get your GPA up.

Tips for prospective students

One of the biggest complaints I hear about PSU Brandywine is that it is boring. This can be true if you do not get involved with what the campus has available. There are many clubs on campus that give you a great opportunity to make friends and school interesting. If you don't put yourself out there and join a group it is going to suffer from the commuter school situation.

In three sentences

Penn State Brandywine is a great start into your college career, especially if you plan to do the 2+2 program and eventually transfer to the University Park campus. The professors there are very intelligent and teach very good intro courses. During my time there I was able to prepare myself for the transition in college, network, and get involved.

Damien from Oxford, PA

Mediocre if you don't participate, but that applies to almost anything.

Great for these types of students

If your looking for an education with less distraction this campus is perfect. It also allows the 2+2 which is an opportunity to do your last 2 years at Penn State Main Campus or University Park and experience a top ten school.

Bang for the buck

It can seem pricey, but for all the attention you receive from faculty it is worth it.

What to do for fun

The campus is 10 minutes from Media, 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia, and 2 hours from the shore. If you cannot find something new to do, your not trying.

Food and Dining

The on campus meals are not for the health conscious, but the beautiful town of Media is down the road with many unique restaurants. Also a Trader Joe's is located in downtown Media.

Dorm Life

The student body has been requesting dorms to bring a greater sense of community, but as of now the process is still on hold.

Academic Rigor

If you apply for the Cooper or Schreyer Honors programs you will definitely be met with a challenge. Also participating in clubs or a minor in civic engagement will truly test you as a student and citizen.

Tips for prospective students

If you are look for a closer relationship with faculty this campus is perfect. The campus is not as active considering most students commute, but you still can create meaningful relationships off campus considering the smaller student population.

In three sentences

A small quaint campus. Faces become familiar by the third semester. Excellent connection between faculty and students.

Deena from King Of Prussia, PA

I usually like to hang out in the commons building during breaks, or even in the gazebo if its nice outside!

Food and Dining

Food and dining is awesome! There are many options to choose from in the commons building.

Dorm Life

none

Academic Rigor

The academics of Penn State is no difference than any other accredited university, just make sure to use RateMyProfessor.com!

Tips for prospective students

I would recommend becoming best friends with your academic advisor. Also be sure not to overwhelm yourself with classes, that was my problem at first, and i got burned out. Know your limits!

In three sentences

Penn State Brandywine is my favorite because it is the big name with a small campus, which is beneficial to me because I do better in smaller classes. I also really enjoy that they are renovating study areas. Most importantly, there are a lot of electric outlets in study areas, how cool!

Abdulrahman from Yeadon, PA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Clubs and Activities

There are so many to count.

What to do for fun

There are so many different clubs and organization that student can join. From doing sports to things like Thon to poetry contests.

Food and Dining

I heard there are a lot of free food opportunities!

Dorm Life

This campus doesn't have any dorms, though there are private owned housing near by.

Academic Rigor

Penn State overall has a complex process in earning your degree.

Tips for prospective students

Deadlines are closer than they appear. Don't wait until the night before to do your assignment or an application. Try and get it done as soon as possible. Giving and advice is also a reminder to the one that's giving that advice.

In three sentences

The campus has its own section which is impossible to get lost. Their orientation leaders have enough pride to convince any upcoming class to attend PSU. The overall look of the campus is appealing.

Allyson from Newark, DE

01/29/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

13 of 16

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What to do for fun

Hang out in the Commons building! There are TVs, a gym, and a weight room. People bring a lot of their own video games and consoles to hook up to the televisions, and they bring movies to watch while they wait for the next class as well. There are tons of awesome events (with free food!) scheduled throughout each semester, so be sure to participate in all that! But, if you don't want to stay on-campus for fun, there is a mall up the street as well as a movie theater.

Food and Dining

While there isn't a WHOLE lot of variety, the food is great, but the prices are so high!

Dorm Life

There aren't any dorms yet, but some should be being built in the next few years. Although there are no dorms, students seem to feel at home on campus in the Commons building where there are comfy seats, televisions, video games, lots of food, a gym, and a weight room!

Academic Rigor

Classes definitely challenge you here, but they're a piece of cake if you pay attention, take notes, and get the help you need when you need it.

Tips for prospective students

If you think you're going to struggle in any of your classes, don't procrastinate on getting help! Talk with your professors, advisers and classmates, and be sure to visit the STEM lab where there are tutors who can help you! Math 097 is a course offered in the STEM lab that not only helps you with your classwork, but earns you an extra credit if you register for it too!

In three sentences

Penn State Brandywine is a small commuter campus; this makes it easier to work with professors and get the help you need when you need it. Something I do not like very much about Brandywine is that it can be difficult to reach advisers, and some advisers (like the ones in the financial aid office), never seem to enjoy helping students. Overall, the campus is very enjoyable, and it's a pleasure to attend.

The campus is a really nice place to hang out, even if you are not doing anything in particular. Also, the Granite Run mall is right down the street, along with downtown Media not too far from that. A number of Wawas are nearby, as well.

Food and Dining

Best. Quesadillas. Ever.

Dorm Life

There is none.

Academic Rigor

I cannot really speak to the academic rigor at the moment.

Tips for prospective students

Don't make any enemies (you won't be able to avoid them).

In three sentences

While Brandywine does not offer many majors that can be completed on campus, it is a nice start to your major. The campus is small (only four buildings and no dorms), so you'll have the opportunity to get familiar with professors, librarians, and the staff in general. Brandywine has a great environment that will definitely set a good first impression of college.

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